With halal food currently accounting for approximately one-fifth of world food trade according to Euromonitor International, the provider of global business intelligence and strategic market analysis, food and beverage companies across the globe are recognising the considerable opportunities presented by an industry segment growing at US$500 billion annually and valued at US $1.2 trillion in 2010.
More than 1.8 billion consumers worldwide purchase halal products according to the International Halal Integrity Alliance with the halal food market forecast to grow by more than 20% over the next decade.
Taking place from February 27 to March 2 at the Dubai International Convention and Conference Centre, Gulfood 2011 hosts companies from more than 100 countries around the world, and is ideally positioned at the epicentre of a burgeoning international import and export halal market.
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“Gulfood plays a pivotal role in the industry by both showcasing products and fostering growth in the regional markets. In terms of the halal food and beverage category specifically, this is demonstrated by the wide range of international companies participating at Gulfood, and the increasing number of local and regional companies specialising in the halal market who attend to broaden their markets beyond the GCC,” said Helal Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Gulfood.
“Halal is an increasingly important pillar of the trade, and Gulfood is perfectly positioned both geographically and economically as a trading hub to support and facilitate continued growth for local, regional and international businesses in the halal segment,” he added.
The focus on halal products at Gulfood extends from almost every corner of the world, with beef, poultry, dairy, raw ingredients and flavourings, baby foods and processed foods just some of product lines on show. Country pavilions including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, New Zealand, and the US all have exceptionally strong halal product representation.
Khazan Foods, one of the Middle East’s top producers of premium chilled and frozen meat products and quality food in the FMCG market, and the platinum sponsor for this year’s Gulfood exhibition, will be unveiling their latest halal product range aimed at the health conscious consumer. Called Light & Vital, the premium beef, turkey and chicken products are low fat, and free of lactose, MSG, soya and gluten.
“We have chosen Gulfood to launch our latest range because the reach of this exhibition enables us to keep our customers updated on our product offerings, rev up our sales and increase our market share, all at the same time,” said Frank Andreu, General Manager of Khazan.
Included in the 300-plus halal exhibitors at Gulfood this year, are: Al Accad Department Stores, Al Islami Foods, Americana Meat, Brazil Food, Herfy Food Service Co., Matrade, Nestle, Rembrandt Foods Inc., Sadia International, The Halal Catering Argentina and Volys Star.
For more information, please visit www.gulfood.com.
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